July 11historicalUniversal
Pius I
Saint
Sanctified Life
95 — 150
"For with God nothing will be impossible."
A mid-2nd century Pope who battled the Gnostic heresies that threatened to distort the Gospel. His path was one of doctrinal vigilance, possibly excommunicating the heretic Marcion and engaging with St. Justin Martyr to defend the reality of Christ's incarnation against varied philosophical attacks.
Historical Legacy
Historical Journey
Life Locations
Historical Summary (Wikidata)
Pius I (Italian: Pio I, Greek: Πίος) was the bishop of Rome from c. 140 to his death c. 154, according to the Annuario Pontificio. His dates are listed as 142 or 146 to 157 or 161, respectively. He is considered to have opposed both the Valentinians and Gnostics during his papacy. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church with a feast day on 11 July, but it is unclear if he died as a martyr.
Canonization: saint
Historical Depiction
Wikimedia Commons Source
Titles & Roles
• Catholic priest
Sacred Symbols
Life Journey
90—
Born in Aquileia
Born in Northern Italy.
140—
Papacy Begins
Succeeds Hyginus; confronts Gnosticism directly.
144—
Excommunicating Marcion
Expels the heretic Marcion from the Church.
154—
Death
Dies in Rome; buried in the Vatican.